Back-to-school preparations often focus on physical supplies, but social and emotional skills are equally essential for children's success. Parents should emphasize developing resilience and helping children feel seen, accepted, and understood during critical brain-development years. Youth well-being has declined globally, with about half of U.S. college students reporting deep loneliness and nearly 20 percent reporting no one they can count on, a substantial increase over two decades. Investing time in building strong, authentic offline friendships can buffer stress, support health, and promote long-term happiness. Strong close connections remain a primary contributor to well-being.
It's that time again. Like it or not, back-to-school season has arrived. For countless parents, that means multitasking and running around ragged shopping for supplies and school uniforms to get their kids everything they need for another academic year. From backpacks to ball-point pens, and everything in between, equipping kids with the essential tools is important, of course, to start them off on the right foot and set them up for success.
However, in the hustle and bustle of finding the perfect blue binder and filling out endless forms, it's imperative that we don't forget to emphasize the social and emotional tools to succeed as well. Developing skills that will help our kids become resilient and feel seen, accepted, and understood is critical at a time in their lives when they may need it the most.
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